While we're all throwing in $.02, I auditioned the Shearwaters at one dealer on Cary, CJ and VAC (dealer wouldn't deign to play them with anything other than tubes--which was not all that impressive as a selling scheme in my book, but what the hey) and at another dealer on a top-of the line Levinson setup. Right off the bat, I'll say that I preferred the Shearwaters on the VAC Avatar over $40k plus worth of Levinson gear. Beyond that, I'm not sure I can be of much use, as the CJ and Cary stuff I listened to was way beyond my price range and, from your description, yours as well. The VAC Avatar was pretty swell though, so I can only echo the encouragment of those above in suggesting you give it a try. Try as many tube combos as you can stomach, from my limited experience, the Medowlarks thrive on tubes. (I ended up with Thiel, Bryston, and VTL -- so that's what my opinion is worth in the end...oh well). Enjoy.
Amp to match with Meadowlark Shearwater
Like to know what intergrated amps less than $2K anyone has tried with Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rods especially for jazz(Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans) female vocals(Diana Krall) and classical piano and violin concertos. I currently am running them with a "mid-fi" receiver and the highs are a bit too bright. Mids and bass are beautiful. My room is 22x12x8 with about 50/50 hardwood floors and area rugs. Thanks.